By Brian Jules Campued
Heat index in at least 44 areas in the country are forecast to hit “danger level” on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, with as high as 46°C may be experienced in Virac, Catanduanes, Roxas City, Capiz, and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Based on the bulletin from the state weather bureau as of 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, heat indices of 42°C to 45°C are likely to be experienced in the following parts of the country:
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 45°C
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 45°C
- Aparri, Cagayan – 45°C
- Sangley Point, Cavite – 45°C
- Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas – 45°C
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 45°C
- Bacnotan, La Union – 44°C
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 44°C
- ISU Echague, Isabela – 44°C
- Iba, Zambales – 44°C
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 44°C
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 44°C
- Aborlan, Palawan – 44°C
- Cuyo, Palawan – 44°C
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 44°C
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 44°C
- Guiuian, Eastern Samar – 44°C
- Maasin, Southern Leyte – 44°C
- Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 44°C
- NAIA, Pasay City – 43°C
- Science Garden, Quezon City – 43°C
- MMSU Batac, Ilocos Norte – 43°C
- CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 43°C
- Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City – 43°C
- Coron, Palawan – 43°C
- Daet, Camarines Norte – 43°C
- Masbate City, Masbate – 43°C
- La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental – 43°C
- Siquijor, Siquijor – 43°C
- Catbalogan, Samar – 43°C
- Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 43°C
- Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 42°C
- Calayan, Cagayan – 42°C
- Casiguran, Aurora – 42°C
- Alabat, Quezon – 42°C
- Mulanay, Quezon – 42°C
- Legazpi City, Albay – 42°C
- Mambusao, Capiz – 42°C
- Tacloban City, Leyte – 42°C
- VSU-Baybay, Leyte – 42°C
- Borongan, Eastern Samar – 42°C
According to PAGASA, heat index is the measure of the temperature the human body feels relative to humidity. The ‘danger’ level consists of heat indices between 42°C to 51°C.
The state weather bureau, likewise, warns the public of the effects of prolonged exposure to extreme heat temperature — such as fatigue, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
To prevent heat-related illnesses, PAGASA advised the public to: limit time spent outdoors; drink plenty of water; avoid drinking tea, coffee, soda, as well as liquor; and use protective covers, such as umbrellas or hats.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies. – avds
